Acute Kidney Injury USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 2-day-old male presents with severe generalized edema and oliguria. Vital signs show BP 65/42 mmHg, HR 145/min, RR 38/min, and temperature 37.2°C. Urinalysis reveals massive proteinuria (8.5 g/24 hours) with bland sediment. Serum albumin is 1.8 g/dL; serum creatinine is 1.4 mg/dL. Renal ultrasound shows normal-sized kidneys without hydronephrosis. Genetic testing identifies a mutation affecting the slit diaphragm between podocyte foot processes. Which protein is most likely abnormal?
Answer choices
- ARenin
- BUromodulin
- CAquaporin 2
- DCarbonic anhydrase
- ENephrinCorrect answer
- FPodocin, a membrane protein anchoring nephrin at the slit diaphragm
See the full explanation
Get the correct-answer rationale, why each distractor is wrong, the underlying mechanism, and high-yield associations — plus adaptive practice that targets your weak areas — with a free MedBoardPRO account.